Presentation Details
| Behavioural co-option of conifer resin by a cavity-nesting bird is an adaptation for competition and predation James C.Mouton1, 2, 3, Riccardo Ton3, 4, T.Scott Sillett2, Thomas E.Martin3, Cameron K.Ghalambor5. 1Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.2Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA.3Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.4School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.5Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim Norway |
Abstract
Interactions with competitors and predators generate strong selection and favor the evolution of novel strategies for mitigating fitness costs. Adaptations to competition and predation risk often involve evolution of traits which directly reduce costs. The evolution of behaviors that co-opt the functional traits of non-interacting, third-party species have also been observed but remain poorly studied. Here we investigate if behavioral co-option of conifer resin in a cavity nesting bird ameliorates interactions with nest predators and competitors. Red-breasted nuthatches (Sitta canadensis) collect resin from live trees and apply it around the entrances of their nest cavities in dead trees. We used field experiments and ancestral trait reconstruction to test a priori hypotheses about the evolution and adaptive value of this behavior. We rule out a major role of phylogenetic inertia and provide experimental evidence that use of conifer resin ameliorates interference competition from other cavity nesting species and reduces nest predation risk. Overall, our results showcase how behavioral co-option can have important consequences for fitness in nature.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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